Quinta do Sobreiró de Cima “Tempo” Reserva DOC Trás-os-Montes 2010 is a fortified Vinho Licoroso (liqueur/sweet fortified wine) from northern Portugal.
Producer and Origin
- Producer: Quinta do Sobreiró de Cima, an estate in Santa Valha, Valpaços sub-region of Trás-os-Montes. The winery emphasizes traditional varieties, old vines, and the revival of historical styles, drawing on the area’s ancient viticultural heritage (including pre-Roman lagares).
- Region: DOC Trás-os-Montes — a continental climate zone with high altitude, schist/granite soils, and significant temperature variation, ideal for structured reds and fortified wines.
- Vintage: 2010 Reserva — a well-regarded edition that has aged gracefully.
Wine Style and Production
“Tempo” (Portuguese for “Time”) is a limited-production fortified red wine made from selected typical regional grapes, primarily from old vines (often including Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz/Tempranillo, and others). After fermentation, it is fortified with grape spirit to stop fermentation and preserve natural sweetness. It undergoes aging in oak, benefiting from the “time” referenced in its name. Alcohol: 20% vol.
Tasting Notes (2010 Vintage)
- Appearance: Deep ruby/garnet with orange-brick reflections from aging.
- Aroma: Complex and evolved — ripe and dried black fruits (plum, cherry, fig), floral notes (especially from Touriga Nacional), spices, nuts, caramel, and subtle balsamic/wood nuances.
- Palate: Full-bodied, rich, and harmonious with balanced sweetness, good freshness, velvety texture, and a long, persistent finish. Flavors of dark chocolate, dried fruits, spices, and toasted oak. Warming and elegant.
It is positioned as one of the pioneering modern Vinho Licoroso from Trás-os-Montes DOC.
Serving and Food Pairing
- Temperature: Serve at 14–18°C (slightly below room temperature).
- Pairing: Ideal with dark chocolate desserts, caramel-based sweets, blue cheeses, dried fruits, nut tarts, or as a contemplative after-dinner wine. Also pairs well with spicy or rich dishes.
Additional Details
- Bottle Aging: The 2010 vintage shows maturity and complexity; it can continue to develop positively for several more years if stored well.
This wine exemplifies the estate’s focus on quality and heritage. It is an excellent choice for website content highlighting fortified wines or Trás-os-Montes specialties, especially alongside drier reds from the same producer.